| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section Struwe, Lena [1], Mathews, Katherine Gould [2], Molina, Maria [3], Popovkin, Alex [4]. Polite Spigelias: Genuflexing infructescences in a new species of Loganiaceae. A new endemic species of Spigelia (Loganiaceae) from Bahia, Brazil, to be described shortly, shows several unique characteristics in its diminutive size, adpressed hairs, and amphicarpic fruit. Amphicarpy (a type of geocarpy) has previously not been reported from the order Gentianales. The taller inflorescences stay upright when fruit is set, whereas lower ones bend down towards the ground, temporarily or repeatedly. The evolution of this potential adaptation to an annual habit in ephemeral seasonally wet areas will be discussed. ITS sequences show that the species is not directly related to previously sequenced Spigelia spp. and highlight the morphological and molecular diversity within this primarily neotropical genus, with its own tribe in the Loganiaceae. Extensive variation is found in woodiness, trichomes, corolla shape and color, and leaf arrangements. Recent discovery and description of several new species call for further study of this relatively poorly known group. Broader Impacts:
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1 - Rutgers University, Ecology, Evolution, & Natural Resources, 14 College Farm Rd, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901, USA
2 - Western Carolina University, Department of Biology, 132 Natural Science Building, Cullowhee, North Carolina, 28723, USA
3 - Departamento de Biologia y Geologia, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
4 - Bahia, Brazil
Keywords:
Gentianales
Loganiaceae
taxonomy
Fruit development
dispersal
Brazil
Biodiversity
morphology
ITS
molecular systematics
Plant morphology.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 49
Location: 552B/Convention Center
Date: Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
Time: 8:45 AM
Number: 49004
Abstract ID:366 |
